Saskatchewan to evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies

In October last year, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, setting out its vision and long-term strategy for electricity in the province. The plan sees the provincial government reiterate its commitments to nuclear power, as communicated in the provincial Growth Plan and the Interprovincial Strategic Plan on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Specifically, it says, the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to examine the feasibility of two SMR units near Estevan, and evaluate the feasibility of large reactors and/or advanced SMRs to meet industry demand for electricity and heat to identify if either can be economically deployed in Saskatchewan.

Crown utility SaskPower has now begun the formal process to evaluate large reactor technologies. The technology selection process will take place in parallel with SaskPower's existing SMR project.

"Our Energy Security Strategy sets out a pathway to nuclear power generation from both SMRs and large nuclear reactors, using Saskatchewan uranium," said Minister Responsible for SaskPower Jeremy Harrison. "Together with expanded intertie capacity, nuclear power will make Saskatchewan an export powerhouse and safeguard Saskatchewan's energy security far into the future."

"SaskPower will leverage partnerships with experienced nuclear operators, and will continue to engage with Indigenous Rightsholders, Saskatchewan's communities and businesses as we consider the potential deployment of large nuclear reactors," SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said. "Potentially bringing a large reactor online will take at least 15 to 20 years, which is why we need to start this process now."

SaskPower has previously selected GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment in the province in the mid-2030s. It announced in 2024 that it had identified two potential sites for SMR deployment, both in the Estevan area in the south-east of the province. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Cameco and Westinghouse to explore technical and commercial pathways to deploy Westinghouse's reactor technology, including the advanced AP1000 reactor and AP300 SMR for long-term electricity supply planning.

Saskatchewan is home to the largest and highest-grade uranium mines in the world, but does not currently have any nuclear power reactors. It is working alongside the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Alberta on the deployment of SMRs under a joint strategic plan released in 2022.

"Significant additional regulatory, siting and engagement work are needed before any construction can begin on a new nuclear project," SaskPower noted. "SaskPower's current SMR project continues to progress and a site for the province's first SMR build near Estevan is anticipated later this year."